Simulated

Congressional

Hearings

A simulated congressional hearing is the culminating activity for We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution.  The simulated congressional hearing is an authentic, performance-based assessment where students demonstrate their understanding of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

During the simulated congressional hearings, students assume the role of constitutional experts.  The students present prepared oral statements before a panel of judges, usually adults from the community.  Following the formal presentations, students respond to follow-up questions from a panel of judges.  The purpose of the follow-up questions is to give students the opportunity to demonstrate the depth of their understanding of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and to allow students time to clarify issues they may have raised in their formal statements.

Each class will be divided into five groups, one for each unit of our textbook We the People.  Each group will become experts on their topic and will assume responsibility for preparing and presenting information related to their unit. Each group will be judged on the following criteria: 

• understanding of constitutional principles
• application of constitutional principles
• reasoning, supporting evidence
• responsiveness to questions from the panel of judges
• cooperation and participation among members of the group.

Since the inception of the “We the People” program in 1987, more than 26 million students and 82 thousand educators have participated in this innovative course of study. The program enjoys the active participation of members of Congress, as well as support from professional, business, and community organizations across the nation.

Our hearings will take place on Thursday, May 24th, 2007 and will run all day.  You are more than welcome to join us that day to watch your child in action!  Videotaping is okay, but we ask that there be no flash pictures taken during the debates.  We do not want the children to get distracted or to become nervous while the judges are evaluating them.  We appreciate your understanding with this matter. When the date gets closer, we will send home a schedule for you to follow.

On the day of the hearings, there will be a dress code.  Students are asked to wear nice slacks, skirts, or dresses.  Their shirts must have a collar and contain no writing on them – short sleeves are acceptable.  Absolutely no shorts, capris, or T-shirts are to be worn.  It is important for the children to present themselves in a professional manner for this event. Each group of students will determined, on their own, what colors their team would like to wear so that their group is coordinated. 

Your support with the simulated congressional hearings is much appreciated.  If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your child’s homeroom teacher.  You can also visit http://www.civiced.org/wethepeople.php?link=competition for tips for preparing your child for the hearing and for the list of judges questions. Also, Mrs. Lannon put together a website of resources to help you and your child prepare for the hearings. You can go there by clicking here.